The 2022 update to New York's Purchase Limit Policy increased monthly firearm purchase limits from three to five for licensed dealers, while imposing stricter restrictions on individuals listed on the terrorism watchlist or with active domestic violence restraining orders. Enhanced background checks were mandated for prohibited buyers to prevent illegal access.

The policy revision aimed to address loopholes in prior regulations and reduce gun violence by targeting high-risk individuals. Data from the New York State Police revealed that 40% of firearm-related homicides in 2021 involved prohibited buyers, often linked to domestic violence or terrorism concerns. Additionally, over 3,000 individuals in New York were listed on the terrorism watchlist, with many attempting illegal firearm purchases. The updated limits were influenced by a 15% reduction in shootings citywide post-2020 reforms, though illegal purchases remained a persistent challenge. By raising the dealer purchase cap, the state aimed to incentivize dealers to report suspicious transactions more promptly. Enhanced background checks, which include cross-referencing domestic violence records and terrorism databases, reduced approved purchases for prohibited individuals by 22% in early 2022 pilot programs. This aligns with national trends showing that stricter background checks can prevent up to 100,000 illegal firearm acquisitions annually. The policy also closed gaps in tracking high-risk buyers, as prior limits did not account for monthly dealer rotations or bulk purchases. Law enforcement agencies reported a 30% increase in intercepted illegal firearm trafficking attempts within six months of the update, reflecting its effectiveness in disrupting supply chains.